Bengals in range of sellout for Ravens game

Ticket sales are running at an encouraging pace for Cincinnati's Dec. 30 home game against Baltimore, the club’s ticket office reported today. The game is the final regular-season contest on the Bengals schedule.

“Fans are responding to the fact that we are still in contention for the AFC North Division title, and that it’s likely the Baltimore game will carry significant playoff implications,” said Andrew Brown, Bengals ticket sales manager. “With continued strong sales through this week and into next week, we are optimistic we can have a full house for the game and local television coverage as well.”

The Bengals have sold out five of seven home games this season, including the most recent one, on Dec. 9 vs. Dallas.

If the Bengals win at Pittsburgh this week and Baltimore loses at home against the N.Y. Giants, the Bengals will be able to win the AFC North with a victory over the Ravens. If the N.Y. Jets lose Monday night at Tennessee, a Bengals win at Pittsburgh this week will clinch at least a Wild Card berth for Cincinnati. In any event, the Bengals are assured of being alive for a playoff berth entering the final regular season weekend.

Everyone saw it coming, but it still didn’t make it any easier Friday when the Bengals released one of their more versatile players and valued leaders across the defensive front and around the locker room in 11-year veteran Robert Geathers.